Job searching is lonely.

Most job seekers spend the day heads down on their computers scouring the internet for open roles and applying, by themselves. Days might pass without speaking to another person during "job search time."

Think about how different that is from an average work day, filled with meetings, coffee chats, and other human touchpoints. You know you're in trouble when you wistfully remember team standups and manager check-ins.

If you live alone, the lack of human interaction can be crushing. Sure you can chat up a barista or cashier, but that conversation is brief, superficial, and unsatisfying.

Even if you live surrounded by loved ones, you can still feel alone. Unless they're searching too, they don't understand how frustrating and demoralizing today's job market is. They feel for you but struggle to know what to say.

You need the camaraderie of other people sharing your experience. You need a community.

I know that sounds like more work, but trust me, it's worth it.

It's easy to find a networking group online. They range from very structured to bordering on chaotic, with some having weekly themes and others featuring industry guests. All the ones I've seen are free, supportive, and welcoming.

Join one, or more.

Attending a weekly networking session reinforces that you're not alone in the search—it's not you. Other smart, qualified, and experienced people are facing the exact same issues. They are just as stuck and just as scared, and that's comforting.

They provide positive support too. In networking meetings I've participated in, we've talked about new AI tools, strategized how to get past ATSs, and made introductions from our individual networks. And every once in a while, someone lands, giving the group much needed hope.

But group networking is just the start.

The real magic happens when you connect on a personal level and meet one-on-one. Through these conversations, I've practiced my "story," learned about people's professions, given and received advice, and explored potential partnerships. And become less alone.

I've built my community.

Yes, it can be scary or uncomfortable to step out of your comfort zone to talk to strangers, and I won't lie, a few meetings have been pretttttty awkward, but the vast majority have been amazing!

I've met tons of great people I wouldn't have otherwise. I've grown my network, helped people, and made new friends.

----------- Check us out at ZenSearch.jobs and share our platform with anyone looking for something new. Together, we can make job searching a little more zen.